Making the case for cool project enclosures

Quite often, we see project boxes that seem to be constructed more as an afterthought than anything else. That’s not to say there is anything wrong with stuffing your latest creation into a nondescript black box, or even cardboard if it happens to fit your needs. Sometimes however, an enclosure embodies the spirit of a project, making it all that much cooler.

[Adam] recently picked up a copy of Make magazine and decided to build their “Luna Mod”, a sound effects generator and looper based on a PICAXE-08M. Aside from the micro controller the Luna Mod includes a couple of pots, a switch, and a few LEDs – nothing incredibly striking. Once he had everything assembled on a strip of protoboard, he started working on his enclosure.

The enclosure is made from an old record, which after some trial and error, [Adam] got just right. The record was heated and cut, then bent into shape. While it’s not necessarily a hack, we think it looks pretty slick. It really fits the theme of the Luna Mod and is far more attractive than a plain plastic box.

The LP melting technique is a simple one and there are a ton of instructions online. Please do not put a tube Amp in this or on this though!!!! Remember that Vinyl in records shatters rather than bends.
That being said, old scratched up records are awesome Popcorn Bowls and record covers make for fun decor on any wall or under a tabletop. In fact. I ikea hacked their glass kitchen table set by inserting the cage underneath in reverse so it could store record covers under there and i would not have to look at ugly feet!

Then I read the article and was thoroughly relieved and impressed to see your skills with vinyl :)
Also thanks for hippin me to Luna Mod as I’m not a Make reader :) Gonna look into that this weekend!
Thanks!